84th Annual Convention

We are excited for the upcoming Wisconsin Society for Ornithology 84th Annual Convention, hosted in our beautiful state capital. This gathering is an opportunity for bird enthusiasts to come together and celebrate our shared passion for enjoying, studying, and conserving birds.

Click below to register, or download the registration form and mail it to Wisconsin Society for Ornithology P.O. Box 2, Grafton, WI 53024.

The Value of Attending

Participating in our 84th Annual Convention offers a unique blend of educational experiences, opportunities for social connection, and meaningful conservation action. Attendees range from novice to expert birders and festival volunteers to presenters and field trip guides. Most importantly, you’ll have the chance to meet fellow bird lovers from all over connections that might not happen without this special event.

Discover Madison’s Birding Opportunities

This conference will give you time to explore the Madison area and discover all it has to offer for birding. You might pick up tips on spotting rare birds nearby or simply receive friendly support from fellow enthusiasts. Surrounded by others, you may find yourself inspired to try wildlife photography and eager to improve your skills with a digital camera.

Field Trips and Skill Building

Our field trips are designed to help you experience new birding locations and learn fascinating details about the birds that inhabit the hot spots selected for the convention. These expert-led walks can help you hone your birding abilities, spot new “lifer” species, and join a community that shares your enthusiasm and passion. We are trying something new by hosting a free family field trip designed to encourage some new birders.

Wellness Through Birding

Birding not only brings enjoyment but also promotes well-being. Spending time in nature is known to support mental health, and birdwatching serves as a great motivator to get outdoors in any season.

Supporting Local Economies

By attending the convention, you support both local economies and your presence helps make a positive impact in the community and the environment. We’ll provide cards for you to give businesses in Madison, letting them know you’re visiting for birdwatching and letting them know you care about the conservation of birds and their habitats. Everyone comes to appreciate the natural world in their own way. You can help show local business people that preserving bird habitats truly pays off.

More About Convention Activities

The Wisconsin Society for Ornithology is primarily a volunteer-run organization. Recently, we welcomed a new Executive Director and an Administrative Assistant to our team. Volunteers have been crucial to our organization and during the conference, we will recognize our volunteers. As we do every year, we will hold our annual membership meeting. This session will feature our annual report, discussions about committee functions, and an exploration of goals and ideas for the organization’s future, including your opportunity to vote for the slate of new officers.

Saturday Afternoon Panel and Discussions

Saturday afternoon will feature a panel and discussion session focused on our main priorities. Topics include updates on the management plan for Honey Creek Preserve, the significance of grassland birds, and the role our Buena Vista property plays in the management of grassland birds in Wisconsin. You are also invited to enjoy the reception, cash bar, the new library exchange, and the silent auction.

Keynote Speaker

On Saturday night, we are honored to present Laura Erickson as our keynote speaker. Laura brings a wealth of experience as a scientist, teacher, writer, licensed wildlife rehabilitator, blogger, public speaker, photographer, and an expert on American Robins and Whooping Cranes for the Journey North educational website, as well as a Science Editor at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. She is also a past recipient of the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology’s Golden Passenger Pigeon Award.

See you there!!

Whatever your reason for attending, please know that you are warmly welcomed. We hope you’ll join us for another enjoyable and inspiring convention!

Featured Field Trips

Cherokee Marsh North Unit

Governor's Island

Pheasant Branch Conservancy

UW-Madison Arboretum

Lakeshore Nature Preserve

Governor Nelson State Park

Capital Springs State Recreation Area

2026 Convention T-Shirt 

WSO would like to congratulate our t-shirt design contest winner - Morley Remitz!

2026 convention t-shirt design by Morley Remitz

About Morley

Morley is a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay studying Environmental Science & Policy. Her thesis research focuses on the ecology of long-jawed orb-weavers. She also assists with monitoring anuran and bird populations for the Cofrin Center for Biodiversity and curatorial assistance for the Richter Museum of Natural History.

Morley grew up creating art in Green Bay and has long been inspired by wildlife, especially birds. When she is not in class, in the field, or bird-watching, she enjoys experimenting with illustrations, digital art, and writing poetry. Her career goals focus on conserving and protecting native wildlife populations for future generations.

Thank you for sharing your creativity with us, Morley!!

T-shirt pre-order details coming soon!

Registration and Fees

WSO Annual Convention registration includes all field trips, Saturday afternoon activities, Saturday banquet dinner, and keynote. The Friday WSO Awards Dinner* is available for an additional fee.

*Registration for those who wish to attend the Friday Awards Dinner only does not include field trips or Saturday events and activities.

If you have questions about the convention and its activities, contact convention organizer Steve Holzman: vicepresident@wsobirds.org

With questions about registration and payment, contact WSO membership: membership@wsobirds.org